Notable New Year’s Eve Guide 2014: Out of the Box Options in Toronto

This is it – the only midnight that matters. We promise that where you choose to spend the 31st is just as important as who you’re with and what you’re wearing (not to mention what you’re drinking). Hence why we’ve put together the ultimate list of NYE options for young professionals (YPs) in Toronto. Over the week we’ve rolled out and recommended every desirable destination this city has to offer and today is no exception. From hotels to restaurants, and clubs to events, we let you know all the best ways you can step into 2014 in style. So choose wisely, YP. The celebration may only last one night, but if play your cards right you could be talking about it all year. 

PARTY OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
For those who want to forgo the hassle of a club, the production of a hotel party, or a potentially rushed restaurant meal, there are other, less typical options for a memorable evening…

NYE Casa Loma: Party at the Castle
It’s romantic, magical and resonates with “special occasion” far more than your typical club or restaurant. To ring in the new year in elegance and intrigue, the event (presented by West of Contra Entertainment) offers partygoers a chance to step back in time to a period of European elegance and old world glam as the party takes over the entire first floor of the castle. The dress code is semi-formal, but we imagine some guests will take it to the next level. For those “bottle service only” guests, the venue offers 15 VIP booths.

What You’ll Get:
– A stylish, elite and connected set of young professionals
– Complimentary champagne toast & coat check
– The chance to catch a shot of the infamous Casa Loma ghost.

The Details: Tickets: $75; Doors open at 10:00pm; 1 Austin Terrace. More info available here.

New Year’s Eve at Second City
For something different, designed to kick start 2014 in good humour, famed comedy club Second City opens its doors for a NYE show and celebration. Second City’s annual New Year’s Eve Celebration includes performances of the hit mainstage production We Can Be Heroes, followed by a New Year’s Eve toast. Performances are at 7pm & 10pm. ?If you want to stay for the countdown, opt for the later show. Add a dinner package (either pre or post show) at neighbouring Wayne Gretzky’s Toronto with their special NYE Prix Fix Dinner Menu – $49 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Or check out one of the restaurants in our NYE restaurant guide.

What You’ll Get:
– To ring in the New Year in a good mood from laughing all night.
– A toast with the cast, party favours and bubbly.
– To wear jeans.

The Details: Tickets: 7:00pm ($55.00 + tax) or 10:00 pm ($60.00 + tax); 51 Mercer St.; More info available here.

SPin Toronto Neon New Year’s Eve Party
Not in the mood for the whole production of fuss and stuffiness this New Year’s Eve? Then hit SPiN Toronto for ping-pong, drinks and no shortage of photo opp-inspiring fun. The overall theme of the evening is neon and there will be blacklights, so keep that in mind with your outfit choice and opt for neon or white. The event will feature electro-industrial spectacle performances by Squid Lid and DJ sets by Sir Rock Obama and Deadly Vanity. The best part? Unlike most places in the city, there is no cover and the bar will serve until 3am. Word of advice? Book your ping-pong table now!

What You’ll Get:
– A guilt-free NYE financially (thanks to zero cover)
– Black light tee shirts
– A bunch of mortified uber-pale people once the blacklights come on.

The Details: Tickets: No cover; doors open at 8:00pm.

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Cover Image: Spin City